Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A fast-evaporating solvent that helps nail products apply smoothly and dry quickly, but can be drying or irritating with frequent use.

Sec-Butyl Alcohol is a synthetic solvent that helps other ingredients mix, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic film-forming monomer found mainly in nail products; it helps create a durable, glossy coating but can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

A synthetic skin-conditioning ingredient that improves product feel and spreadability, with limited but promising safety data.

A synthetic skin conditioner that helps products feel smooth and non-greasy, with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle, water-rich fruit juice that adds light hydration and antioxidant support, but lacks strong clinical evidence for dramatic skin benefits.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

A gentle, plant-derived extract with soothing and antioxidant potential, but research is still early.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

A gentle fermented plant extract with antioxidant potential, but human studies are limited.

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skin benefits is still limited.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

Seed oils are versatile moisturizers that help soften and protect the skin, but their comedogenic potential varies widely by type.

A gentle, plant-derived cleanser that creates a mild foam and helps remove dirt without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Selenium sulfide is a well-studied antifungal ingredient that effectively controls dandruff and scalp flaking, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established in modern skincare.

A lesser-known botanical extract that may offer soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is very limited and safety data is sparse.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific benefits for skin is still limited.

A gentle, natural clay that helps control oil and improve product texture without drying out the skin.

A gentle clay mineral that helps absorb excess oil and improve product texture without stripping the skin.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Serica is a silk-derived ingredient that gives skin a silky, smooth feel and helps lock in moisture, but it may not suit those with silk allergies.

Serica Extract is a gentle, silk-based humectant that helps skin feel soft and hydrated without clogging pores.

Serica Powder is a natural silk-derived ingredient that gives makeup a silky feel and helps absorb excess oil without clogging pores.

Sericin is a gentle silk protein that helps skin hold onto moisture and feel smooth, but it's not a miracle anti-aging ingredient.

Sericoside is a gentle plant extract that may help calm skin and support a youthful appearance, but research is still early.

Serine is a gentle, water-binding amino acid that helps keep skin plump and supports a healthy barrier without irritation.

A gentle enzyme exfoliant that breaks down dead skin proteins without harsh scrubbing, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

Serum albumin is a protein that can temporarily smooth and firm the skin, but its benefits are mostly surface-level and not well-supported by modern research.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skincare benefits is still limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, lab-grown plant cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without heavy greasiness.

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions while adding a light, non-greasy feel.

A gentle film-forming polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without feeling heavy or greasy.

Sesame seed butter is a gentle, natural emollient that softens and conditions skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, water-friendly emollient that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but its PEG modification raises mild environmental and purity considerations.

A gentle natural exfoliant that also helps absorb excess oil, but may feel gritty in some formulas.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from sesame sprouts that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Sesamide DEA helps create rich lather and thicken cleansers, but it may be mildly irritating and has moderate comedogenic potential.

A mild surfactant that helps create rich lather, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a great choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, plant-derived conditioning agent that softens hair and skin without heavy buildup.

A gentle, sesame-derived surfactant that boosts foam and improves the feel of cleansers without stripping the skin.

A silky, plant-derived emollient that helps products spread smoothly without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A synthetic pH adjuster that helps keep your products stable and gentle, but it doesn't actively improve your skin.

A mild, amino-acid-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures while being very gentle on skin.

A gentle plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and temporarily tighten pores, but research is limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

SH-Decapeptide-1 is a synthetic peptide that may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin firmness by signaling collagen production.

A gentle peptide duo that signals skin to repair and rebuild, making it a solid choice for anti-aging routines without irritation.

A gentle, well-studied peptide duo that signals skin to repair and firm up, but results are gradual and not instant.

A gentle synthetic peptide duo that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines without irritation.

A gentle synthetic peptide duo that signals skin to build collagen, making it a solid choice for anti-aging routines without irritation.

A synthetic peptide duo that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines and improve firmness with low irritation risk.

SH-Decapeptide-13 is a lab-made peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines and improve firmness with low irritation risk.

A lab-made peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still early and results vary.

A synthetic peptide that may help smooth fine lines and improve skin firmness with a low risk of irritation.